NPS Reopens Areas to the Public

Date: June 29, 2006
Contact: Outer Banks Group, [phone]

Effective today, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is removing several resource protection closures that had occurred when protected species nested in the areas. Park biologists continued to monitor the areas after the closures were initiated and provided recommendations based on the behavior and activities of the birds. The following areas have reopened to the public:

On Hatteras Island: · A resource protection area, located 1.4 miles south of Ramp 27, was for an American Oystercatcher chick. The chick has now fledged and this area has been reopened to pedestrian and ORV access. This was a full beach closure area, 0.3 of a mile long. · A resource protection area, located 1.05 miles north of Ramp 34, was for American Oystercatcher chicks. The chicks were lost, the closure has been removed and this area has been reopened to pedestrian and ORV access. This was a full beach closure, 0.2 miles long. · A resource protection area, located 0.5 miles north of Buxton Village, has been removed and reopened to the public. One of the American Oystercatcher chicks was lost and the other chick has fledged and was observed having a successful flight for a prolonged distance. · The loss of Piping Plover nest #2 and a diminished number of Colonial Waterbirds in the South Beach area has permitted the reopening of approximately 1.1 miles of shoreline, beginning at Salt Pond Road to 0.8 of a mile south of Ramp 45, and includes the reopening of the Interdunal Road, Salt Pond Road and Ramp 45. · The resource protection area, 1.3 miles south of Frisco Pier has been reopened to pedestrian and ORV access. The Least Tern colony has departed from the area and the closure was removed. · At Hatteras Inlet, a pedestrian and ORV access is open along the portions of the ocean shoreline, the Pole Road, and the Cable Crossing. Ocean shoreline ORV and pedestrian access is open from Ramp 55 south for 2.5 miles, to within 0.6 of a mile from the inlet. A resource protection closure at that point restricts all access along ocean shoreline to the south. Soundside ORV and pedestrian access is open from Cable Crossing to the “Rip” area at the spit. Pedestrian access is open from the “Rip,” north along inlet and ocean shoreline for approximately 1100 feet, but the high tide extends to the dune system precluding safe vehicle access.

“We are working on reopening areas as soon as it is a viable option and we appreciate the understanding and patience of the visitors to these areas,” stated Outer Banks Group Superintendent Mike Murray.